For decades, business conferences have followed a familiar formula. A few keynote speeches. Packed breakout sessions. Coffee breaks where people exchanged business cards and hoped the right conversation would happen.

Sometimes it works. Often it doesn’t.

You could attend a two-day conference with thousands of people in the room and still leave feeling like you missed the most valuable connections. Finding the right people relied heavily on luck.

Event technology has been quietly changing how business conferences work. What used to be largely unstructured networking is becoming more organised, data-driven, and intentional.

With it, conferences are no longer just places to listen to speakers or collect business cards. They are becoming structured environments designed to create meaningful connections, generate leads, and produce measurable outcomes.

In this article, we’ll look at how event technology is reshaping business conferences and networking, and how companies can use these tools to get far more value from the events they attend.

Why Traditional Conference Networking Doesn’t Really Work

Large conferences can attract hundreds or even thousands of attendees. Founders, investors, partners, suppliers, service providers. Everyone hoping to meet the right people. But without structure, finding those people can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack.

Most attendees end up networking with whoever happens to be nearby. Someone they sit next to in a session. Someone they meet in the coffee line. Someone introduced by chance during a break.

Sometimes those conversations turn into valuable opportunities. But many times they don’t. And there are other challenges too.

For instance, time is of the essence. A busy conference schedule leaves little room to find and approach the right people. Many attendees don’t even know who else is in the room, let alone who they should prioritise meeting.

Even when useful conversations happen, they can be hard to track. Business cards get lost. Notes disappear. Follow-ups fall through the cracks.

For businesses attending conferences to generate leads, partnerships, or clients, this randomness creates a problem. It becomes difficult to justify the investment of time and travel.

That’s why many organisers and attendees have started looking for a better approach.

Event technology is stepping in to solve these inefficiencies. Instead of relying on chance encounters, conferences are increasingly designed to help the right people find each other quickly and intentionally. The result is networking that is far more targeted, productive, and measurable.

AI-Powered Networking: Matching the Right People in Seconds

AI is now quite literally everywhere, even in events.

Instead of leaving introductions to chance, many events now use intelligent platforms that help attendees find the most relevant people in the room.

Several event technology platforms are built around this idea. Tools like Brella, Swapcard, and Bizzabo use algorithms to analyse attendee profiles and recommend valuable connections.

Here’s how it usually works: When registering for a conference, attendees create a profile. They list their role, company, industry, interests, and goals for attending. The platform then analyses this information and suggests people who are worth meeting.

For example, an event networking platform like Brella uses AI-based matchmaking to connect participants based on shared interests and goals. Attendees can then request and schedule meetings directly through the app.

Other platforms take a similar approach. Swapcard uses AI to identify relevant connections and help attendees schedule meetings throughout the event.

This shifts networking away from chance encounters.

Instead of wandering through networking areas hoping to meet the right person, attendees receive curated suggestions of people they should speak with. Many platforms also allow users to send meeting requests and book time slots directly in the app.

For businesses, the impact can be significant: conversations become more relevant, and opportunities move faster. A discussion that begins during a networking session can quickly turn into a follow-up meeting, a proposal, or even a new client. In some cases, deals start moving forward so quickly that teams find themselves preparing proposals, contracts, or even basic invoice templates soon after the event ends.

Networking stops being a game of luck. It becomes a structured process supported by technology.

Event Apps Are Replacing the Traditional Conference Agenda

Not long ago, conferences relied on printed programmes.

You picked up a booklet at registration. It listed the sessions, speaker details, and room numbers. If the schedule changed, you often didn’t know until someone announced it from the stage.

Today, that experience looks very different.

Most modern conferences now run through dedicated event apps that live on your phone. Instead of flipping through paper schedules, attendees open an app to plan their day, connect with other participants, and receive real-time updates.

Even the check-in process has become more streamlined. Many events now use digital registration systems alongside tools like a conference badge printer that can generate personalised attendee badges in seconds. This allows organisers to verify participants quickly and ensure networking information is accurate from the start.

Platforms like EventMobi and Cvent are widely used at business conferences to power these experiences. These tools combine scheduling, networking, messaging, and event updates into a single mobile platform.

The result is a much smoother experience for attendees. Instead of following a fixed schedule, you can build a personal agenda inside the app. Sessions can be bookmarked. Reminders appear before talks start. If a room changes or a panel runs late, the app sends an instant update.

Event apps also make conferences far more interactive. Many platforms allow attendees to submit questions during sessions, participate in live polls, or join discussions with other participants. These features increase engagement and make it easier for quieter attendees to take part.

Networking is built directly into these apps as well. You can browse attendee profiles, send messages, exchange digital business cards, and schedule meetings without leaving the platform. Some apps even include community boards or discussion feeds where attendees can start conversations around topics or sessions.

For businesses attending conferences, this creates a clear advantage. Instead of scrambling to organise contacts after the event, everything happens in one place. Conversations, meetings, and connections are already recorded inside the app.

The conference effectively becomes a connected digital environment rather than just a physical venue. And that’s changing how companies approach events.

Hybrid and Virtual Conferences Are Expanding Business Opportunities

Another major shift in the conference world is the rise of hybrid and virtual events.

Before 2020, most business conferences were entirely physical. If you couldn’t travel to the venue, you missed the event.

Today, many conferences are designed to work both in person and online. Hybrid event platforms allow attendees to join sessions remotely, interact with speakers, and network with other participants through digital spaces. Tools like Hopin, vFairs, and Airmeet have helped organisers create these hybrid experiences at scale.

For businesses, this has opened up new opportunities. Teams no longer need to send large groups to attend a conference. A few people might attend in person while others participate online. This makes it easier to access valuable industry events without the same travel costs or time commitments.

Hybrid events also expand the reach of conferences. A business conference held in London, for example, can now attract participants from across Europe, North America, and Asia. That means companies attending the event can connect with a far more diverse group of potential partners, clients, and collaborators.

Networking has evolved alongside this shift. Many hybrid platforms now include virtual networking lounges, breakout rooms, and one-to-one meeting features. Attendees can join small group discussions or schedule private video meetings with other participants.

This makes it possible to build meaningful connections even when participants are in different parts of the world.

Another benefit is flexibility. If two sessions happen at the same time, you no longer have to choose just one. Many hybrid conferences record sessions and make them available on demand. Attendees can watch the content later and still participate in discussions or follow-up conversations.

For businesses, this dramatically increases the value of attending a conference. Instead of being limited to a specific time and location, events become ongoing digital experiences that continue well beyond the closing keynote.

How Businesses Can Use Event Technology Strategically

Having access to event technology is one thing. Using it strategically is another.

Many attendees download the event app, browse the schedule, and leave it at that. But businesses that get the most value from conferences tend to use these tools much more deliberately.

It usually starts before the event even begins.

Most conference platforms allow attendees to explore participant lists and company profiles ahead of time. This makes it possible to identify key people you want to meet and send meeting requests early. By the time the event starts, your schedule can already include several meaningful conversations.

Preparing your attendee profile also matters.

Event platforms often use profile information to power networking recommendations. A clear description of your role, company, and objectives helps matchmaking tools suggest better connections. In short, the more accurate your profile, the more useful the networking suggestions become.

During the conference, event apps can help you stay organised.

You can bookmark sessions, set reminders, and keep track of meetings scheduled through the platform. Messaging tools also make it easier to continue conversations with people you meet during sessions or networking breaks.

Some businesses also use these apps to monitor activity around their sessions or exhibition booths. Seeing which discussions attract the most attention can reveal what topics resonate most with the audience.

The real value, however, often appears after the event.

Most event platforms allow attendees to export contact lists or sync connections with CRM systems. This makes it easier to organise follow-ups while conversations are still fresh. A short message after the conference can quickly turn a brief introduction into a meaningful business relationship.

Wrapping Up

Business conferences have always been valuable places to meet new people and explore fresh ideas. But for a long time, much of that value depended on chance.

Event technology is changing that.

From AI-powered networking tools to mobile event apps and hybrid platforms, conferences are becoming far more organised, measurable, and productive. Attendees can identify the right people to meet, schedule conversations in advance, and track the outcomes of those interactions.

For businesses, this means conferences are no longer just industry gatherings. They are increasingly strategic environments where partnerships, leads, and opportunities can develop more intentionally.

Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., detailed his rationale for refusing to support the SAVE Act in its current form despite acknowledging that voter ID requirements are not “unreasonable.”

“It’s needlessly complicated,” Fetterman said Monday on “Mornings with Maria.” 

The Pennsylvania Democrat stressed that while he supports requiring identification to vote, he believes the House-passed bill goes further than necessary and fails to account for the security of existing voting systems, particularly mail-in ballots.

“I have said it’s not Jim Crow, and it’s not extreme things, but mail-in voting is absolutely secure,” Fetterman said. “Some of the best examples in the country are red states like Florida and Ohio.”

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Fetterman pointed to Florida as a model, noting the state passed legislation similar in spirit to the SAVE Act while also affirming the integrity of mail-in voting.

“I would remind people watching [that] Florida just passed the essential version of the SAVE America Act, but they also said mail-in voting is absolutely secure, and that’s going to be part of us going forward,” he said.

Host Maria Bartiromo pressed Fetterman on the issue during the interview, noting that he had previously expressed openness to voter ID requirements and asking what would be needed to secure his support for the bill.

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“No one reached out to have more of a conversation… it is turning into more like [a] theatrical kind of thing,” he said.

“If [Republicans] want to have a real honest conversation, sure, absolutely, but overall, I refuse to engage in the extreme kind of rhetoric on either side…”

Fetterman also reminded viewers that requiring voter identification itself is not controversial among most Americans but argued the current legislation goes beyond that principle.

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“It’s not a radical idea for Americans to provide ID, but that’s not what Save America is right now,” he said.

“And they’re attaching all of these other things that is a distraction to the core.”

Craft soda on London menus is not just fizzy sugar water with a new label. It is a carefully built drink that balances acids, botanicals, sweetness, and carbonation in a way that holds up in a busy café or cocktail bar.

From small batch trials to consistent keg pours, every step shapes flavour, texture, and safety.

Step into a Shoreditch café on a Saturday afternoon and you will see customers ordering rhubarb soda with brunch or smoked cola with a burger. Behind that simple glass sits a recipe tested for clarity, shelf stability, and repeatable taste. London’s bar scene has raised expectations, and craft soda has had to grow up fast.

Carbonation Levels And Mouthfeel

Carbonation defines the experience. A highly carbonated soda delivers sharp sparkle and aroma lift, while a softer level feels rounder and more wine-like.

Bars across London test carbonation carefully, especially when serving from a keg. Over-carbonated drinks can foam excessively during service, slowing staff and frustrating guests. Under carbonated sodas taste flat and dull.

Key considerations include:

• Target CO2 volume for style
• Serving temperature control
• Glassware shape
• Pour technique at the bar
• Compatibility with draft systems

Stability, Safety, And Shelf Life

Premium positioning requires professional production standards. Natural extracts can separate, fresh juices can ferment, and botanicals can cloud if not stabilised properly.

Producers rely on pasteurisation, filtration, or controlled acidity to protect product integrity. Clear labelling and batch tracking also support food safety expectations in the UK hospitality sector.

When a London café moves from kitchen trials to wider distribution, the conversation often turns to scaling. Recipes that work in a small test batch need adjustment for volume production, packaging lines, and regulatory checks. Brands exploring full‑scale beverage production solutions often focus on preserving flavour while meeting commercial demand.

Ingredient Foundations And Flavour Architecture

Great craft soda starts with water chemistry. Many producers filter and adjust mineral content to control mouthfeel and let delicate flavours shine.

Core building blocks often include:

• Filtered or treated water
• Natural fruit extracts or cold-pressed juices
• Botanical distillates such as juniper or citrus peel
• Measured acid blends for brightness
• Sweeteners chosen for texture and finish

Acidity does more than add tang. Citric, malic, or tartaric acid can sharpen fruit notes and keep sweetness from feeling heavy. London cafes often prefer a crisp profile that pairs with food rather than overpowering it.

Sweeteners vary depending on brand identity. Some use cane sugar for a clean finish, others experiment with honey or lower sugar blends to meet changing consumer preferences.

Packaging Choices: Cans Vs Kegs Vs Bottles

Presentation influences perception and logistics. Aluminium cans are lightweight and protect against light exposure, making them popular for takeaway and retail shelves.

Glass bottles signal tradition and premium appeal. They work well for table service in restaurants and for visible fridges in cafés.

Kegs are increasingly common in London cocktail bars. They reduce packaging waste and speed up service, though they require investment in tap systems and cleaning protocols. Environmental considerations also shape packaging decisions for many operators.

Collaboration Between Venues And Producers

Many standout sodas on London menus come from collaboration. A bar team might request a lower sugar tonic for a specific gin serve or a seasonal soda to pair with a tasting menu.

Successful collaborations usually involve:

• Detailed flavour briefs
• Pilot batch tastings with staff
• Feedback loops after soft launch
• Clear agreements on branding and exclusivity
• Consistent quality checks across deliveries

Bringing Craft Soda From Concept To London Menu Success

Craft soda on London menus combines ingredient science, carbonation control, safe production practices, and smart packaging decisions.

The tech-heavy NASDAQ Composite surged more than 1% on March 16, 2026, snapping a string of recent losses as investors welcomed signs of cooling tensions in the Middle East and a pullback in crude oil prices. The index climbed sharply in early trading, reflecting renewed appetite for growth-oriented stocks after a volatile period dominated by geopolitical risks and economic concerns.

By mid-morning Eastern Time, the NASDAQ Composite stood at approximately 22,358, up about 253 points or 1.15% from Friday’s close. Trading volume was robust, with more than 314 million shares changing hands in the first few hours. The gain reversed much of the prior session’s decline, when the index closed at 22,105.36 on March 13 — down 0.93% or 206 points — marking its lowest finish of the year amid pressure on major technology names.

The broader market participated in the rally. The Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced around 1.2%, or roughly 575 points in early action, while the S&P 500 rose about 1.3%. Futures had pointed to a positive open, with NASDAQ-100 futures up over 1% pre-market as crude oil retreated below $100 per barrel following reports suggesting potential de-escalation around the Strait of Hormuz.

Geopolitical developments remained front and center. Escalating conflict involving U.S., Israeli, and Iranian forces had driven oil prices higher in recent sessions, stoking inflation fears and prompting risk-off sentiment. Wall Street closely monitored news that energy infrastructure targeting might ease, allowing traders to refocus on corporate fundamentals and upcoming economic data. Analysts noted that any stabilization in the region could support a sustained recovery in equities, particularly in interest-rate-sensitive sectors like technology.

Technology shares, which have borne the brunt of recent volatility, led the charge. Mega-cap names in artificial intelligence and software contributed significantly to the NASDAQ’s upside. Investors appeared to shrug off lingering worries about AI spending sustainability and shifted toward optimism about leaner operations and margin improvements at key players. Meta Platforms saw notable gains, with reports of potential cost-cutting measures interpreted positively despite being labeled speculative by the company.

The rebound came after a challenging stretch for the NASDAQ. The index had posted its third consecutive weekly decline heading into the weekend, pressured by disappointing economic indicators and persistent oil-driven inflation concerns. Friday’s close represented a low point for 2026 so far, with technology heavyweights underperforming amid broader market rotation.

Market participants highlighted several factors supporting the Monday advance. Lower oil prices reduced fears of immediate Federal Reserve tightening, while positive sentiment around potential policy clarity post-midterms buoyed confidence. Some strategists pointed to oversold conditions in growth stocks as a catalyst for the snapback.

“After weeks of headline-driven selling, we’re seeing a classic relief rally,” said one equity strategist at a major brokerage. “Tech has been oversold relative to its long-term growth narrative, and with oil backing off, investors are willing to take on risk again.”

Economic data remained in focus. Recent releases had painted a mixed picture, with softer consumer and manufacturing figures raising recession odds in some corners. However, the market’s reaction suggested traders were pricing in a “soft landing” scenario rather than sharper downturn.

Looking ahead, volatility could persist. Upcoming events include key earnings reports from software and semiconductor firms, alongside any fresh developments from the Middle East. The NASDAQ’s performance will likely hinge on whether big tech can maintain momentum and if broader indices follow suit.

The index’s year-to-date trajectory has been uneven. From a 52-week range spanning roughly 14,784 to 24,019, the NASDAQ has shown resilience but faces headwinds from elevated valuations in AI-related names and macroeconomic uncertainty. Analysts remain divided on near-term direction, with some forecasting continued choppiness while others see potential for new highs if geopolitical risks subside.

Trading on the NASDAQ exchange reflected healthy participation, with biotechnology and other growth subsectors also posting solid advances. The NASDAQ Biotechnology Index rose over 1% in tandem with the broader composite.

As the session progressed, attention turned to volume leaders and unusual options activity for clues on sustained buying interest. Market breadth appeared positive, with advancers outpacing decliners on the exchange.

Investors continued to eye commodity movements closely. A drop in crude below $95 in some reports helped fuel the equity bounce, though any reversal could quickly alter sentiment.

Overall, March 16 marked a tentative return to bullish momentum for the NASDAQ after a bruising period. Whether the rally holds will depend on continued positive catalysts and absence of renewed shocks. For now, the tech sector’s leadership offered hope that the index could reclaim higher ground in the weeks ahead.

The performance underscored the market’s sensitivity to global events while highlighting the enduring draw of innovative companies in driving returns. As Wall Street navigates these crosscurrents, the NASDAQ’s path will remain a key barometer of investor risk appetite.

A Chef Who Turned Curiosity Into a Career

Great careers often begin with small moments of curiosity. For Kenneth Alan Wilder, that moment happened in a kitchen.

As a child, he was fascinated by how simple ingredients could turn into something memorable. That curiosity grew into a serious passion. Over time, it shaped a career built on skill, discipline, and creativity.

“Cooking always felt like storytelling to me,” Wilder says. “You take ingredients, techniques, and culture, and you turn them into an experience people remember.”

Today, Wilder is known as a private chef who creates highly tailored dining experiences for clients who expect precision and originality. His work blends classic culinary training with global influence and a strong sense of personal style.

But the path to that level of mastery began with education and discipline.

Culinary Institute of America Training and Early Foundations

After high school, Wilder focused on building professional credibility in the kitchen. He earned several certifications that helped establish his technical foundation. These included Certified Executive Chef credentials, ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification, and specialty training in Italian and French cuisine.

Those credentials were important. But Wilder wanted deeper training.

That led him to the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. The CIA is widely considered one of the most demanding culinary schools in the world.

At the institute, Wilder completed a program in Applied Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management. The curriculum emphasized both cooking technique and kitchen leadership.

“The CIA teaches you discipline,” Wilder says. “You learn that great food is not just about creativity. It’s about consistency, timing, and respect for the craft.”

That structured environment sharpened his skills in classic technique, menu development, and kitchen operations. It also helped shape his long-term approach to hospitality.

How Global Travel Influenced Kenneth Alan Wilder’s Cooking

Education was only the beginning. Wilder continued to refine his perspective through international travel.

Visiting different regions allowed him to study food traditions firsthand. Markets, street vendors, and local restaurants all became sources of inspiration.

In Spain, he explored the busy food markets of Barcelona. In Japan, he studied the precision and simplicity found in traditional kitchens.

Travel changed how he thought about flavor and presentation.

“Every place teaches you something new about ingredients,” Wilder explains. “Food reflects culture. When you travel, you learn why dishes are made the way they are.”

These experiences expanded his culinary vocabulary. They also helped him develop a personal style that blends classical European techniques with global influences.

The Rise of Bespoke Private Dining Experiences

Over time, Wilder built a reputation among clients seeking highly customized dining experiences.

Unlike restaurant chefs, private chefs often design menus for specific events and settings. Each dinner can be different. Each client may want a unique culinary story.

Wilder embraced that challenge.

He began creating intimate private dinners and multi-course tasting menus designed around the people attending. Some of these events take place in luxury homes. Others unfold aboard private yachts.

“Private dining is about understanding the moment,” Wilder says. “Who is at the table? What are they celebrating? The menu should reflect that.”

His dishes often highlight rare or carefully sourced ingredients. Truffles imported from Italy, saffron from Spain, heirloom vegetables, and sustainable seafood frequently appear in his menus.

Each plate is built with attention to balance. Flavor, texture, and presentation all matter.

“A meal should engage every sense,” Wilder says. “Taste is only one part of the experience.”

Daily Discipline and Creative Inspiration

While his professional life revolves around culinary creativity, Wilder also follows a structured daily routine.

He starts most mornings at 5 a.m. with a long jog. The habit helps him maintain both physical and mental clarity.

“That run gives me time to think,” he says. “Some of my best menu ideas come while I’m moving.”

Coffee is another daily ritual. Wilder studies different brewing methods and often experiments with single-origin beans and small-batch roasts.

Outside the kitchen, he spends time exploring farmers’ markets, hiking trails in the Blue Ridge Mountains, and sailing on the Chesapeake Bay.

These experiences help shape his culinary ideas.

“Nature reminds you where food begins,” Wilder says. “Fresh ingredients always lead to better cooking.”

Mentorship, Charity, and the Next Generation of Chefs

Beyond private dining, Wilder also invests time in community work.

He volunteers with Feed the Future Virginia, helping prepare meals for underserved communities. He also hosts charity dinners that raise funds for local children’s hospitals.

For Wilder, philanthropy is closely connected to food.

“Cooking is a form of generosity,” he says. “Sharing a meal can bring people together in ways that nothing else can.”

Mentorship is another priority.

He regularly organizes workshops for young aspiring chefs. These sessions focus on both technical skills and the mindset required to build a sustainable culinary career.

“Young cooks need encouragement,” Wilder says. “But they also need to understand the discipline the craft requires.”

Kenneth Alan Wilder’s Vision for Private Culinary Experiences

As the private dining industry continues to grow, Wilder sees opportunities for chefs to push creative boundaries.

Clients today often look for more than a meal. They want an immersive experience.

For Wilder, that means designing menus that feel personal and memorable.

“A great dinner should tell a story,” he says. “When people leave the table, they should feel like they traveled somewhere.”

His work reflects that philosophy.

From quiet family dinners to elaborate multi-course events, each menu is designed with intention. The goal is not simply to cook well. It is to create moments that stay with people.

“In the end,” Wilder says, “food is about connection. That’s what keeps me inspired.”

Wall Street ended sharply higher on Monday, fueled by gains in AI-related stocks, with Meta Platforms climbing after a report that it is preparing for sweeping layoffs, while oil prices retreated amid ongoing uncertainty about the Middle East conflict.

The Dow Jones rose 387.94 points, or 0.83%, to 46,946.41, the S&P 500 gained 69.92 points, or 1.05%, to 6,702.18, and the Nasdaq advanced 268.82 points, or 1.22%, to 22,374.18.

Meta jumped after Reuters reported that the social media platform plans to shrink its workforce by at least 20% to offset costly artificial-intelligence infrastructure bets and prepare for greater ‌efficiency brought about by ⁠AI-assisted workers.

Nvidia ⁠climbed after CEO Jensen Huang announced new components at the chipmaker’s annual developer conference.

Taiwan’s Foxconn, which makes AI servers using Nvidia chips, issued a strong quarterly revenue forecast on Monday.

Tesla rose after CEO Elon Musk said the company’s Terafab project to make AI chips will launch in seven days.
Micron Technology jumped after the memory chipmaker announced plans for a second manufacturing facility in Taiwan. A modest drop in crude prices after the U.S. said it would be “fine” with some Iranian, Indian and Chinese ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz also offered some relief to the market.

“You’ve got news that Iranian oil tankers are moving through, or are soon going to be ⁠moving through, ‌the Strait of Hormuz, which is a positive for global economic stability,” said Terry Sandven, chief equity strategist at U.S. Bank Wealth Management in Minneapolis.

“But on balance, the path forward is filled with twists and turns. … There’s lack of ⁠visibility when the conflict is likely to end.”

Higher energy prices are likely to feature prominently in central bank meetings globally this week.

The Fed is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at the end of its two-day meeting on Wednesday. Traders have pushed back their expectations for an interest rate cut of at least 25 basis points beyond October, according to LSEG-compiled data, compared with their previous expectation of a cut in July.

“There are a couple of reasons to take any signals from this meeting with a pinch of salt. First, a swing in oil prices in either direction could quickly change the Fed’s thinking, and second, markets might slightly discount messages from Chair (Jerome) Powell, given this ‌will be one of the last of his term,” said James McCann, senior economist at Edward Jones in a note.

Wall Street’s fear gauge, the CBOE volatility index, dropped, while the rate-sensitive Russell 2000 index gained.

Despite logging declines over the past three weeks, U.S. equities have fared better than global peers, buoyed by a rebound in beaten-down technology stocks and as the country is a net oil exporter. However, the S&P 500 remains down about 2% so far in 2026.

February industrial production increased 0.2%, slightly better than expectations of a 0.1% rise.

Travel stocks Delta Air Lines and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings both gained, lifted by lower oil prices.

Crypto stock Strategy Inc climbed as bitcoin rallied around 3%.

Discount retailer Dollar Tree rose after signaling it could benefit from favorable tariffs in the near term.

Hyundai has stopped sales of certain 2026 Palisade SUVs and plans a recall after a problem with power-folding seats that the company says may fail to detect contact with an occupant or object.

The announcement comes after a young child died in an incident involving a Palisade that is still under investigation, according to the automaker.

Reuters reported the victim was a 2-year-old girl from Ohio who was killed on March 7.

“Hyundai is aware of a tragic incident involving a Palisade. While Hyundai does not yet have the full details and the incident is still under investigation, a young child lost her life. Hyundai extends its deepest sympathies to her family,” the company said in a press release Friday.

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Sales of the 2026 Palisade Limited and Calligraphy trims are currently on hold while Hyundai works with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration on the recall.

Hyundai said about 68,500 vehicles could be affected, including roughly 60,500 in the United States and nearly 8,000 in Canada.

The automaker said it is developing a recall repair and an interim over-the-air software update designed to improve the system’s ability to detect contact with occupants or objects and introduce additional safeguards.

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Hyundai is advising owners to ensure no person or object, including children, is in the seat or seat-folding area before operating the power seat.

“When using the second-row one‑touch tilt‑and‑slide feature to access the third row, customers should avoid pressing the seatback button during entry or exit,” the company said.

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The automaker added that it may offer rental vehicles to affected customers until a permanent repair is implemented.

“Hyundai’s top priority is the safety of its customers, and additional details regarding the interim software update and final recall repair will be provided as they become available,” it said.

Honda announced a $15.7 billion writedown of its electric vehicle (EV) business last week as the company shifts its U.S. strategy to account for weak consumer demand for EVs.

The second-largest automaker in Japan said Thursday that it will restructure its EV business and cancel three planned battery-powered EV models that were going to be built and sold in the U.S. market.

Demand for EVs has pulled back in recent years as consumers have shown a preference for hybrid vehicles, while President Donald Trump’s administration has pulled back tax credits that helped incentivize EV purchases.

Honda’s move to pull back on its EV plans, as well as to write down the value of some of its operations in China, may cost as much as $15.7 billion, while the company also said it will report its first annual loss in nearly 70 years. The company’s cash outflows stemming from the writedowns will largely be due to the cost of compensating suppliers.

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Honda first unveiled two concept models for its “Honda 0 Series,” including the Saloon sedan, at the CES trade show in Las Vegas in January 2024, and it had expected to roll out the series’ first vehicles this year, starting in North America.

Those plans have now been called off, with Honda canceling the Saloon along with the Honda 0 SUV and the Acura RSX.

Honda will now pivot its U.S. focus to hybrid vehicles and will also look to strengthen lineup and cost competitiveness in India.

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Ticker	Security	Last	Change	Change %
HMC	HONDA MOTOR CO. LTD.	25.71	-0.06	-0.23%

The company also said that it has struggled to compete with newer companies in China that are focused more on short development cycles and software technologies, like advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS).

“In such a difficult competitive environment, Honda was unable to deliver products that offer value for money better than that of newer EV manufacturers, resulting in a decline in competitiveness,” the company said.

Battery-powered cars accounted for 2.5% of Honda’s 3.4 million global sales last year, or about 84,000 vehicles. 

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China is the world’s largest auto market and Honda introduced several battery-powered models in the market, but it only sold 17,000 last year, which accounted for just 2.5% of its sales of around 677,000 vehicles in the country and just a fifth of its total EV sales.

Honda said that its initiatives around future EV model introductions will be implemented with flexibility from a long-term perspective while “monitoring the balance between profitability and market trends.”

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The company also said it will announce details related to the reestablishment of its mid- to long-term strategy for its auto business at a press conference in May.

Reuters contributed to this report.